Twin cities left friendless: Saheli’s skeleton not displayed due to funds shortage

by APP , (Last Updated May 12, 2013)

The skeletons of a female elephant, Saheli of Marghazar Zoo and a whale-shark found dead on the Karachi shore could not be preserved and displayed on time as the Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) ran out of funds.

Both the skeletons and Saheli’s stuffed carcass were scheduled to be displayed in June.

“We are in financial straits because the previous government slashed the museum’s budget by 20 percent,” Museum Director Dr Rafiq said.

He told that the museum was seeking funds from other sources, as the people of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were eagerly awaiting both displays, which would add to the capital’s attractions.

“We are talking to UNESCO for funds in this regard. The shark’s skeleton’s display would cost around Rs 0.7 million and Saheli’s skeleton would cost Rs 0.4 million,” Dr Rafiq added.